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Calls for more military bases in vulnerable communities
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From John Adams, Minna
The Niger State House of Assembly has commended the troops of the Nigerian Army for repelling what would have been the mother of all bandit attacks in communities in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
In a resolution at its plenary on Tuesday, following a motion to that effect, the House of Assembly hailed the Army for displaying courage, professionalism, gallantry and commitment in engaging the bandits in a fierce gun battle in which they repelled the attacks.
It will be recalled that armed men suspected to be bandits, numbering about 100, invaded some communities along the Zungeru-Tegina Road two weeks ago but met swift resistance from the Army, which overpowered them.
Although one of the soldiers lost his life from gunshot injuries and three others sustained injuries, scores of the bandits were neutralised and motorcycles recovered.
In a motion commending the Nigerian Army for their gallant show of bravery brought before the House by the member representing Rafi State Constituency, Hon Zubairu Ismail Zanna, during its plenary on Tuesday, he said the gallant efforts of the Army in repelling the attacks deserved commendation.
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Hon Zubairu, while commending the effort of the Army for preventing what he said would have been a total massacre of innocent villagers, urged the Army and other security agencies to sustain their operations and a stronger presence in the areas.
He said the strategic and economic importance of these communities makes it necessary for the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in order to prevent the regrouping of the bandits and other criminal elements.
According to him, “the absence of military bases in these areas and strategically positioned security formations along the identified vulnerable corridors may limit the ability of security personnel to respond swiftly to distress calls”.
The member observed that the difficult terrain, extensive forests and the inadequately secured rural corridors in some parts of the state, like communities in Rafi Local Government Area, provide opportunities for the criminal groups to infiltrate communities, establish camps and hideouts, and launch attacks on innocent residents.
He therefore called on the state government to urgently engage the federal government for the establishment of more military bases in vulnerable communities, particularly those being used by the bandits.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, who presided over the plenary, called for a minute’s silence and special prayers for the soldier that was killed during the attack and those receiving treatment.
